Question 1

A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of $$92.1\ 	ext{MHz}. $$What is the wavelength of the carrier wave? (Assume the speed of light $$c = 3.00 	imes 10^8$\ 	ext{m/s})$$

Accepted Answer

$$3.26\ 	ext{m}$$

Question 2

Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the shortest wavelength?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 3

When you blow across the top of a pop bottle, the size of the bottle affects the resonant frequency. What happens to the frequency as the bottle gets smaller?

Accepted Answer

The frequency increases

Question 4

A telescope that focuses light waves is called:

Accepted Answer

A refracting telescope

Question 5

Suppose you observe two electromagnetic waves that have the same frequency. Which has the longer wavelength?

Accepted Answer

Both have the same wavelength

Question 6

What is the fundamental frequency for an empty pop bottle that has a length of $$0.20\ 	ext{m}$$? Assume sound speed $$v = 343\ 	ext{m/s}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$343\ 	ext{Hz}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a good place for an observatory?

Accepted Answer

In a city

Question 8

What is the main reason that radio telescopes are much larger than other types of telescopes?

Accepted Answer

Radio waves have much longer wavelengths

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the Doppler effect?

Accepted Answer

A change in frequency or wavelength due to the motion of the source or observer

Question 10

A light wave passes from air into water. What happens to its speed and wavelength?

Accepted Answer

Both speed and wavelength decrease

Question 11

Which equation correctly relates the speed $$v$$, frequency $$f$$, and wavelength $$\lambda of a $$wave?

Accepted Answer

$$v = f \lambda$$

Question 12

Which of the following is the best explanation for why lightning is seen before thunder is heard?

Accepted Answer

Light travels much faster than sound

Question 13

Which of the following is the main advantage of a reflecting telescope over a refracting telescope?

Accepted Answer

Reflecting telescopes can be made much larger

Question 14

What is the purpose of adaptive optics in astronomy?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the distorting effects of atmospheric turbulence for telescopes on the ground

Question 15

Which of the following best describes refraction?

Accepted Answer

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another

Question 16

A student observes a spectral line from a star to be Doppler shifted. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The star is moving relative to the observer

Question 17

Which of the following colors of visible light has the shortest wavelength?

Accepted Answer

Violet

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a use of a concave mirror?

Accepted Answer

Convex mirror for security

Question 19

If the frequency of a wave is doubled while its speed remains constant, what happens to its wavelength?

Accepted Answer

It is halved

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between energy and frequency for electromagnetic waves?

Accepted Answer

$$E = h f$$

Waves, Sound, and Light: Study Notes for NW 264 - Natural World

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